Celebrating its 25th year and still going strong thanks to tremendous community support, Medfield keeps its seniors safe and substance free on graduation night with the All Night Graduation Party. The Class of 2017’s send off was another bestseller featuring the theme of books. More than 100 volunteers sign up to stage the celebration each year and organizers estimate over 4,500 graduates have participated since the party began in 1992.
“The twin missions of safety and inclusivity for all seniors drive our process. While the party is 100 percent parent run, it could not have been sustained for 25 years without the combined efforts of the parents, community and Medfield School administrators who believe in this mission,” noted Tracy Rogers, ANGP Co-Chair.
“The All Night Graduation Party provides not just a safe environment for the graduates, but also a very fun one. Both of my children attended theirs and had a great time. I always spend part of the night there and the best part is watching the expressions on the graduates' faces as they see and appreciate all the work that was done for them. It's a wonderful Medfield tradition,” said Police Chief Robert Meaney.
Parent Erica Kramer adds, “This is my third child graduating and my oldest two both raved about the ANGP. The night is casual and just focused on the kids getting together to celebrate their graduation and enjoy each other. I love that there is no technology allowed and that I can feel sure that my daughter is safe for the night.”
The decorated backdrop is but one element of the inclusive event that sees participation usually upwards of 95% of the class. Students are fed and entertained all night long. At 5 a.m. as the party is ending, the dance floor in the upper cafeteria is overflowing.
“We work hard each year to bring to life a creative vision that will be meaningful to the students. When the graduates arrive they are truly transported by the surprise theme,” said Tracy Fedak, ANGP co-chair.
The MHS administration fully supports this fun-filled evening at which a large portion of the school is transformed for graduation night.
“I continue to be amazed at the amount of time and work our parents dedicate to creating such a memorable experience for our graduates. This event provides a safe opportunity for our seniors to get together one last time to celebrate their years in Medfield,” said Robert Parga, Medfield High Principal.
Many parents show up each year ready to help with the party even when they don’t have a student graduating. One of these parents is Lisa Pagliarulo, who for the past six years has chaired ANGP entertainment booking everything from Tarot card readers to mechanical bulls.
“The entertainment, artists and interactive fun that we hire for the event provide an additional level of excitement for the seniors. It gives that special touch of the unexpected and takes the whole event up a notch,” said Pagliarulo.
As the sun rises on the day after graduation, another group of volunteers arrives at the high school to break down the party in time for classes to begin at 7:35 a.m. for 9th through 11th graders.
Ask an MHS graduate about the event – they all say the same thing: “The All Night Grad Party was an incredible night. I can’t think of a better way to end high school,” said Zoë Smith, Class of 2016 graduate.
